Stoke Decision Was Easy says Butland

Jack Butland says that there is no doubt in his mind that it was the right decision to join Stoke City instead of Chelsea.

Now a Stoke player on loan at Birmingham until at least the end of the season, Butland made a name for himself in the England Olympic set-up before he had made a first team appearance for Blues and it wasn't long before bigger clubs than Birmingham came knocking at the door wanting his services.

And last January, there was talk of Butland going to Chelsea, but in the end he surprised everyone by holding hush, hush, talks with Stoke before signing for the Potters on Deadline Day.

Butland told reporters: 'I've seen a lot of people get carried away and my mum and dad would be the first to take me down if that ever happened. But I know myself that's not going to get me anywhere.

'It's not good for my career or fair to teams to be arrogant, or act differently to everyone else. Most people who eventually get to the top are switched on, intelligent, humble, professional people. To be the best you've got to act like the best.

'It was a very important decision to make in terms of when and where I would move next.

'Turning down Chelsea was, and wasn't, a difficult decision. Chelsea is a fantastic place and a great place to play football. They are the European champions, but Stoke is a fantastic club for different reasons.

'I feel I can develop my game better at Stoke than I can at Chelsea at the minute. It is as simple as that. Chelsea didn't do anything wrong, I just didn't think it suited me right now.'